Four years ago, I spent time with the Toronto chapter of Democrats Abroad, watching nervous American expats teetering on the edge of their seats, ultimately witnessing President Obama earn his second term in office.

Interesting what can happen in four years -- a woman has finally worked her way to the top Democrat ticket, albeit with administrative scandals and a sexist backlash in tow, challenged by a self-proclaimed Republican and entrepreneurial misogynist, who lacks not only political experience but the maturity and diplomacy required for the role of President, alienating people in his own party and substantiating and promoting close-minded, backward, inhumane behaviour.

Though elections are generally nail-biting affairs anyway, the campaigns leading to Tuesday's big event have unfurled a disturbing battleground, exposing the worst sides of modern society. Antagonism reigns, tempers and nerves on fire.